IP02 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP02
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP23 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP23 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.